Americans willing to consider purchasing hybrid vehicles, says survey

As efforts to become more "green" and environmentally friendly continue to gain popularity across the country, a new study has found that Americans seem to be warming to the idea of purchasing plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and supporting initiatives related to them.

According to a survey released by Ernst & Young's Global Automotive Center on Thursday, 10 percent of U.S. drivers - or approximately 20 million Americans - said they would consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle.

Additionally, 34 percent responded that they would support the subsidizing of local charging station in order improve the popularity and ease-of-use of the vehicles.

"Electric vehicles have long been touted as the future technology of the industry and subsequently, we saw a real appetite in the market for additional insights into the public's reaction to plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles as a new means of transport in the U.S.," said Mike Hanley, the Global Automotive Leader of Ernst & Young.

In addition to their environmentally friendly benefits, consumers who decide to purchase plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles may stand to benefit from lower auto insurance premiums as well.

Numerous insurers offer discounts of up to 10 percent on some policies for hybrid car owners because they often fall into "preferred insured categories" and are regarded as mature drivers who will not be reckless and find themselves in an accident.